To create new and different results we must stretch beyond our current comfort zone.
CHANGE just doesn't happen within the comfort and safety of your current operating system!
This doesn't necessarily mean you need to turn your life upside down, quite the contrary, we have found that small incremental steps will create lasting change and real results.
Think of your comfort zone as a rubber band. Stretch it on Monday by walking an extra mile and on Tuesday morning when you get up that rubber band may have contracted a bit but never all the way. It is easier to do again because you've done it once. There are a million other examples but you get the picture.
If you continually stretch and add a moderate or even a tiny bit more whether it's restraint or progression your comfort zone will be always be in a state of expansion. The great news is that this is true in your quest to be healthy, happy, successful ... really all areas of your life!
Abundant Health is our goal and every choice we make all day long moves us up and down the Wellness Continuum.
Picture a scale with a state of disease and despair on one end and ultimate health and joy on the other. With each choice you make you are moving towards one or the other.
One ice cream sundae is not going to make you ill and one walk is not going to make you healthy but you get the picture. It is the cumulative sum of all your choices that make you
one or the other.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
1. What is one area of your life where you have successfully stretched your comfort zone?
2. What is the next thing you want to work on and how will you stretch your comfort zone?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
1. This week, commit to that ONE new action to stretch your comfort zone.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Willpower
I wanted to examine the root words for the concept of willpower. According to Dictionary.com - will means to wish or desire and power means the ability to do or act. So it would follow that willpower means to wish or desire the ability to do or act. To be successful requires willpower. But does it? That seems contrary to the definition which clearly states that it is merely a wish for power - not a guarantee for success.
My Pop Pop used to say, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." He also said, "If wishes and buts were candy and nuts, my what a Christmas we'd have." His point was that wishes aren't going to make it happen.
Willpower cannot be achieved without first gaining power over your mind or your mindset. There are so many platitudes that remind us of this fact -
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG :
Have you ever experienced what it is like to try and accomplish something based merely on will - or the wish for success. What did that feel like?
Now think about a time where you set out to achieve a goal with your mind, heart and body set for success. How was that different.
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS:
Think of a small goal. Spend a day wishing for the power (willpower) to achieve the goal. At the end of the day, how successful were you? Then spend another day working toward the same goal with a firm plan, an open heart and a spirit of success. Compare the results.
My Pop Pop used to say, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." He also said, "If wishes and buts were candy and nuts, my what a Christmas we'd have." His point was that wishes aren't going to make it happen.
Willpower cannot be achieved without first gaining power over your mind or your mindset. There are so many platitudes that remind us of this fact -
- If you think it - you can do it.
- If it's important you can make it happen.
- Thoughts become things - make them good ones.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG :
Have you ever experienced what it is like to try and accomplish something based merely on will - or the wish for success. What did that feel like?
Now think about a time where you set out to achieve a goal with your mind, heart and body set for success. How was that different.
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS:
Think of a small goal. Spend a day wishing for the power (willpower) to achieve the goal. At the end of the day, how successful were you? Then spend another day working toward the same goal with a firm plan, an open heart and a spirit of success. Compare the results.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Helping You to Stop and Go
This week we’re going to look at some specific applications of Anything Is Better Than Nothing. These are techniques that you can implement in a variety of ways to keep you moving in the right direction. Sometimes we want to make progress in stopping or delaying a behavior or action. And other times we want to find the motivation to stretch a little more towards our healthy goals. These are techniques that can be used to help you do both. And the best thing is – they are simple!
When we make little changes, stretch our comfort zone just a small amount, we don’t resist the change so much. And when we do that consistently, soon our comfort zone has changed, and we are that much healthier.
Our first technique is called Plus One
• Plus One is about doing one more minute, one more mile, one more block, one more repetition … your goal is to stretch the action and benefit just a little more than you did yesterday or the week before. Any stretch beyond your usual level of activity is a positive step and works in your favor.
• This is easy to apply to exercise. It can also be used with other things, like increasing your water intake – one more glass, one more gulp. Apply this to reading you do for personal development – one more page, one more chapter.
• This works with any beneficial activity – get extra benefit by applying the Plus One technique.
Then we have those habits or actions that really don’t serve us. Here is a place to apply a Five Minute Mission.
• Five Minute Missions are when you choice to delay an action. Delaying eating a snack or having a glass of wine for just five minutes more
• In the moment you might say I can’t do this but if you take it five minutes at a time you can do it. Commit to holding out just five more minutes and you are expanding your Comfort Zone. Just think about the next five minutes. If that’s too much, think about the next five seconds; stay in the immediate moment.
• Even if we postpone eating the cake for five or ten minutes and then have some, we’ve still successfully delayed that bite. Every time you wait a little longer, you get better at waiting and before you know you have changed your Basic Nature and you don’t even want cake anymore.
• This technique doesn’t just apply to eating either! If you’re goal is to quit smoking, you could try waiting 5 minutes before lighting up. If you have a big project or chore to do, decide to spend 5 extra minutes on it the next time you work on it. Get creative!
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- When do you feel like you have your ‘weak moments.’ When do you feel like you slip the most? Could a Five Minute Mission help in these times? Blog about how you feel after you’ve been able to use this technique.
- Share your most creative ways you employed the Plus One technique. Have fun with this! Did you park on row further away from the entrance? Did you go up and down the stairs one more time…just because? Let’s see how many different ways this technique can be put into practice this week!
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS
- Pick a healthy activity that you currently do and apply the Plus One technique. Use this technique to increase your activity just a little bit. Depending on the activity, add a little bit more each day or every few days. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you’ll make by doing this!
- Choose to use a 5 minute mission on some task or action this week. Use a timer, if it helps.
When we make little changes, stretch our comfort zone just a small amount, we don’t resist the change so much. And when we do that consistently, soon our comfort zone has changed, and we are that much healthier.
Our first technique is called Plus One
• Plus One is about doing one more minute, one more mile, one more block, one more repetition … your goal is to stretch the action and benefit just a little more than you did yesterday or the week before. Any stretch beyond your usual level of activity is a positive step and works in your favor.
• This is easy to apply to exercise. It can also be used with other things, like increasing your water intake – one more glass, one more gulp. Apply this to reading you do for personal development – one more page, one more chapter.
• This works with any beneficial activity – get extra benefit by applying the Plus One technique.
Then we have those habits or actions that really don’t serve us. Here is a place to apply a Five Minute Mission.
• Five Minute Missions are when you choice to delay an action. Delaying eating a snack or having a glass of wine for just five minutes more
• In the moment you might say I can’t do this but if you take it five minutes at a time you can do it. Commit to holding out just five more minutes and you are expanding your Comfort Zone. Just think about the next five minutes. If that’s too much, think about the next five seconds; stay in the immediate moment.
• Even if we postpone eating the cake for five or ten minutes and then have some, we’ve still successfully delayed that bite. Every time you wait a little longer, you get better at waiting and before you know you have changed your Basic Nature and you don’t even want cake anymore.
• This technique doesn’t just apply to eating either! If you’re goal is to quit smoking, you could try waiting 5 minutes before lighting up. If you have a big project or chore to do, decide to spend 5 extra minutes on it the next time you work on it. Get creative!
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- When do you feel like you have your ‘weak moments.’ When do you feel like you slip the most? Could a Five Minute Mission help in these times? Blog about how you feel after you’ve been able to use this technique.
- Share your most creative ways you employed the Plus One technique. Have fun with this! Did you park on row further away from the entrance? Did you go up and down the stairs one more time…just because? Let’s see how many different ways this technique can be put into practice this week!
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS
- Pick a healthy activity that you currently do and apply the Plus One technique. Use this technique to increase your activity just a little bit. Depending on the activity, add a little bit more each day or every few days. You’ll be surprised at how much progress you’ll make by doing this!
- Choose to use a 5 minute mission on some task or action this week. Use a timer, if it helps.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Anything is Better Than Nothing
This is such a powerful principle and one that totally changed how I look at the world ... in both health and other areas too!~
This principle is not complicated, it is about not stopping yourself from accomplishing a little bit just because you don't have the time, energy, money, whatever to do it all.
You get it, it's simple, simple, simple but IT WORKS!! All of your smaller efforts add up and ... anything is better than nothing!!
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS
Pick something where you could take some action, right now. Blog about it.
Pick a day this week to challenge yourself to make short bursts of progress in as many areas as you can.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
What is area that you are best in making little steps towards that greater goal?
What is the one thing that you always push off because you can't tackle the entire expectation/goal?
What do you think stops you from making progress towards your goal?
Share where you will will apply this principle this week.
This principle is not complicated, it is about not stopping yourself from accomplishing a little bit just because you don't have the time, energy, money, whatever to do it all.
- Can't walk five miles, fine, walk to the mail box.
- Can't be perfect with your fuel selections for an entire day, how about one meal or two?
- Can't make all of the calls on your list, sit down for 15 minutes and do a few.
You get it, it's simple, simple, simple but IT WORKS!! All of your smaller efforts add up and ... anything is better than nothing!!
ABUNDANT HEALTHY ACTIONS
Pick something where you could take some action, right now. Blog about it.
Pick a day this week to challenge yourself to make short bursts of progress in as many areas as you can.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
What is area that you are best in making little steps towards that greater goal?
What is the one thing that you always push off because you can't tackle the entire expectation/goal?
What do you think stops you from making progress towards your goal?
Share where you will will apply this principle this week.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Howdy Partners!
“Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends. “
The Beatles always seem to have a lyric to compliment just about anything you need/want to discuss. I thought this line from Sgt. Peppers was perfect to open a discussion about Empowerment Partners.
One of the most powerful aspects of the Abundant Healthy Living Program is the fact that you are not in it alone. A community of like – minded people makes working toward any goal easier. Empowerment Partners takes community to a whole new level.
When a community of people empowers you – it serves to shore up your own foundation. The power of many strengthens your quest to achieve and abundant healthy lifestyle. When you have partners it connotes a vested rather than a casual interest in your success. Empowerment Partners.
Your challenge may mirror mine and I draw strength from you. We may experience very similar successes and goals achieved. When we support each other and add our own success and challenges to the experience, what results in a richer learning environment and a stronger desire for personal and group success.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- Think about a time where you attempted to accomplish a goal alone. Were you successful? How did it feel?
- Now think about something you attempted as part of supportive community or with a partner? How was that experience different?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
- This week pay attention to the different aspects of your life. When do you feel most supported? Why? How can you replicate that across multiple areas of you life? How can you make having Empowerment Partners standard in your life?
The Beatles always seem to have a lyric to compliment just about anything you need/want to discuss. I thought this line from Sgt. Peppers was perfect to open a discussion about Empowerment Partners.
One of the most powerful aspects of the Abundant Healthy Living Program is the fact that you are not in it alone. A community of like – minded people makes working toward any goal easier. Empowerment Partners takes community to a whole new level.
When a community of people empowers you – it serves to shore up your own foundation. The power of many strengthens your quest to achieve and abundant healthy lifestyle. When you have partners it connotes a vested rather than a casual interest in your success. Empowerment Partners.
Your challenge may mirror mine and I draw strength from you. We may experience very similar successes and goals achieved. When we support each other and add our own success and challenges to the experience, what results in a richer learning environment and a stronger desire for personal and group success.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- Think about a time where you attempted to accomplish a goal alone. Were you successful? How did it feel?
- Now think about something you attempted as part of supportive community or with a partner? How was that experience different?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
- This week pay attention to the different aspects of your life. When do you feel most supported? Why? How can you replicate that across multiple areas of you life? How can you make having Empowerment Partners standard in your life?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Comparing Yourself to Others Does Not Serve
Interesting word – compare. I looked this up in the dictionary and here is the main definition: to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences.
Another interesting note I found stated: compare emphasizes the similarities between or among things, though not losing sight of the differences; contrast emphasizes the differences.
So what do we really mean when we say – Don’t compare yourself to others? We seem to have rewritten the definition of this word to be a synonym for contrast. I know for me, this sentence brings to mind that I would focus on the differences and especially on those I found lacking in myself, and thus bring my self image down. When we compare ourselves to others, and focus on the negative, we never win.
Yet, what are we usually comparing? What we usually do is compare our worst or our weaknesses to someone else’s best or their strengths. Does this make sense? Of course not! Unless all things are equal (i.e. family history, diet through the years, activity level, body shape, height, etc.), then we’re really not comparing like things, so it’s not a valid comparison. We’re really finding the contrasts – we’re focusing on how we are different, not how we are alike.
And even the act of identifying what’s different isn’t necessarily negative or destructive. Where we get in trouble is then making the CHOICE to label one thing as better than another. We decide that we are not as good. What’s great about that is that we can also decide to rewrite this particular story.
We can’t change our height, our general body shape, the size of our feet. So what good does it do to compare that to someone else and wish we had their height, body shape or foot size. If you got inside their head, they would more than likely have their own set of comparisons that cause them to be unhappy about themselves.
What a waste of our energy. Focus on what brings you joy. Find a way to rewrite your story about your imagined shortcomings. Yes – you are responsible for deciding they are shortcomings so pony up and decide what great about them! Free yourself to be your best YOU.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- Who have you compared yourself to? Did it ever make you feel better? Or worse?
- How would you finish this sentence…’I wish I were more like…because they are…’. Now change the beginning of this sentence and say…’I admire this person because they are…’ If you take your ego out of the comparison, does that change make you feel any different?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
- Here’s a challenge. Every morning, for at least a week, look in the mirror, look into your own eyes and say: I love you exactly as you are. Repeat it more than once. Notice how your body feels after you say this a few times.
Another interesting note I found stated: compare emphasizes the similarities between or among things, though not losing sight of the differences; contrast emphasizes the differences.
So what do we really mean when we say – Don’t compare yourself to others? We seem to have rewritten the definition of this word to be a synonym for contrast. I know for me, this sentence brings to mind that I would focus on the differences and especially on those I found lacking in myself, and thus bring my self image down. When we compare ourselves to others, and focus on the negative, we never win.
Yet, what are we usually comparing? What we usually do is compare our worst or our weaknesses to someone else’s best or their strengths. Does this make sense? Of course not! Unless all things are equal (i.e. family history, diet through the years, activity level, body shape, height, etc.), then we’re really not comparing like things, so it’s not a valid comparison. We’re really finding the contrasts – we’re focusing on how we are different, not how we are alike.
And even the act of identifying what’s different isn’t necessarily negative or destructive. Where we get in trouble is then making the CHOICE to label one thing as better than another. We decide that we are not as good. What’s great about that is that we can also decide to rewrite this particular story.
We can’t change our height, our general body shape, the size of our feet. So what good does it do to compare that to someone else and wish we had their height, body shape or foot size. If you got inside their head, they would more than likely have their own set of comparisons that cause them to be unhappy about themselves.
What a waste of our energy. Focus on what brings you joy. Find a way to rewrite your story about your imagined shortcomings. Yes – you are responsible for deciding they are shortcomings so pony up and decide what great about them! Free yourself to be your best YOU.
QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOG
- Who have you compared yourself to? Did it ever make you feel better? Or worse?
- How would you finish this sentence…’I wish I were more like…because they are…’. Now change the beginning of this sentence and say…’I admire this person because they are…’ If you take your ego out of the comparison, does that change make you feel any different?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
- Here’s a challenge. Every morning, for at least a week, look in the mirror, look into your own eyes and say: I love you exactly as you are. Repeat it more than once. Notice how your body feels after you say this a few times.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Abundant Healthy Living Goals
The Abundant Healthy Living approach to GOAL SETTING is just like the rest of our program ... EMPOWERING!
A goal is not something to dread or fear. Think of it as a tool to help you reach your desired result. Your goal should be measurable and have a deadline. Think of it as a destination. With out a map and directions we would just wander around and perhaps never reach our destination. With directions and a route we can stay focused and make real progress.
If you miss your deadline, just reevaluate, note and celebrate your progress and set a new deadline. Never let a goal be a reason to 'beat yourself up' or it becomes self defeating.
So, think about your most important desire, the one that will give you the results you most want!
- Create the goal
- WRITE IT DOWN
- Share it with AHL empowerment partners
- Create a plan to reach the goal
- Break the plan down into baby steps
- Set your intention
- Take action
- Remember to celebrate your success
Have goals been helpful to you in the past?
Have you remembered to celebrate your success, regardless of how small the goal was?
Do you think that the AHL way of thinking about a goal will benefit you?
ABUNDANT HEALTHY LIVING ACTION
Create a short term goal ... perhaps July 31st
Create a long term goal ... perhaps year end
Share your goals on the Blog to empower yourself and others
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